It’s hard not to fall in love with a city like Miami with its beautiful blue skies, roaring sea, and amiable people, all of which seem to sway to a Latin beat. Whether you want to party in one of the city’s many nightclubs or work on your tan at the beach or just take in the sights and the sounds of the Art Deco District, Miami has got something for everyone. There is no shortage of attractions and activities here as is evident by the 12 million tourists who visit the city on average each year. But the biggest dilemma that anyone will face in Miami is deciding where to start from.
Take in the Nightlife
There is one thing that people of Miami love to do and that is PARTY! Miami’s nightlife is considered to be one of the best in the United States. There are a large number of nightclubs in the city and most of them are located in the Art Deco District, South Beach. Whether you are on the lookout for quiet lounges or thumping discothèques, Miami has got something for everyone. Who knows you might just run into an A-List celebrity while you are there. Some of the most popular nightclubs in the city are LIV, Nikki Beach Club, and Dream, but almost all the nightclubs in the city have something special to offer.
Go Shopping
Miami has always been amongst the most glamorous cities in America. So it wouldn’t come as a surprise to know that in Miami, glamour is front and center. Though nobody will force you to wear pretty and fashionable clothes, being surrounded by so many uber fashionistas has its own charms and influences. If you think your wardrobe is sorely lacking in Miami, don’t fret. There are a number of places in the city that are a haven for shoppers, especially those with a taste in haute couture. The Aventura Mall is usually the first stop for most people. The mall has nearly 300 high-end stores, including brands such as Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Breitling, Cartier, Dior, and more. And not only that, throughout the year, it hosts a number of special events, including the Chocolate Festival, Great American Bake Sale, along with regular happenings such as the Farmer’s Market and Adopt-A-Pet events and many more exciting offers.
If you don’t like the thought of spending your day stuck inside a mall, then head over to the Bal Harbour Shops that offer an open-air shopping experience with all the amenities that luxury shoppers expect from an upscale mall. There are nearly a hundred stores at the mall, including luxury brands like Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and much more.
The Dolphin Mall is also another great shoppers’ destination to check out some great deals on clothes. There are more than 240 stores within the mall and features a number of reasonably priced brands such as Gap, Bloomingdale’s, Old Navy, and more.
See Art from Around the Globe
If you are an antique connoisseur, the Italian Renaissance-style Vizcaya Museum and Gardens on the Biscayne Bay is the place to be. With 16th to 19th centuries’ decorative works, the palace takes you on a fairytale journey. Even the Jewish Museum of Florida in Miami Beach is a work of art in its own right, and some credit goes to the 1936 Art Deco synagogue that it is housed in.
Well after that erstwhile journey, you may want to see something interesting, so just head on to see bit more edgy art works at the Miami Erotic Art Museum (WEAM), where you can satiate your senses with erotic art – from unique historical to contemporary works. And after that, embark into the Wynwood Arts District, which is graced with galleries and studios, and there, you can just breathe in the stunning murals and relive the renaissance.
If that’s not enough for you, then go for art galleries with a bit more pizzazz; check out Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Bird Road Arts District, and Little Havana and indulge in palatable pleasures while enjoying transient music and art. If performance art is more to your liking, then check out the New World Symphony, the Miami City Ballet and the Florida Grand Opera at the Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts.
Get Up-Close with Some Animals
If you love animals or are traveling with children, then you are going to love what Miami has to offer. Zoo Miami is home to a large number of animals ranging from lions, Malayan sun bears, meerkats, tigers, gorillas, giraffes, rhinoceros, to many more including a large number of birds like harpy eagle and reptiles like emerald tree boa. Zoo Miami also has a number of other attractions such as Sami Family Amphitheatre, Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station, Asian Trail, Parrot Feeding Station, Kaziranga Camp Rhino Encounter, Humpty’s Camel Rides, as well as a Children’s Zoo and waterplay areas.
Miami Seaquarium is also another must-see for families and nature lovers. As the name suggests, the place is a tropical paradise of marine animals. Miami Seaquarium has many shows that feature bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, and killer whales. There are also a number of exhibits of sharks, seals, turtles, stingrays, manatees, and many more. If you are up for it, you can get up-close and personal with some of the wildlife at Miami Seaquarium – swim with the dolphins or seals, have an underwater walking journey through the tropical reef, or watch animals in their native habitats. You can also hire an airboat and pay a visit to the Florida Everglades. There you can spot a number of animals such as alligators, turtles, American crocodiles, macaws, and a number of different snakes and fishes.
Free Things To Do
You don’t really need deep pockets to make the most of Miami. The city is generous enough to give you the best holidaying experience without making you pay a penny.
Bask in the Sun
The best free attraction of Miami are the miles of beaches in the city. Just slip into your swimsuit, head over to the nearest beach, and take in the many sun-soaked pleasures off the sand. South Beach is a great place to watch the world go by while you see the waves in a turquoise ocean and models strolling along golden sands.
While there, you should also check out the Miami Beach Architectural District, commonly known as the Art Deco District, which has the largest number of art deco buildings in the world. When the sun sets, Ocean Drive next to the beach is lit up with neon lights of the many art-deco style hotels. The view is so awesome that it will stay with you forever.
Enjoy a Movie
The Miami Beach SoundScape Cinema Series at the New World Center is a must; not just because it is free, but because they show movies on a 7,000-foot projection on a wall and the feel is arguably better than any movie theatre experience. All you need to do is come prepared with your blanket and some food and you are all set to enjoy a picnic with the stars, real and reel.
Some images used here are for representational purpose only.
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Image credits : , Robin Hill